Iran's army chief, Amir Hatami, has announced a $30,000 reward for anyone who kills or captures a US soldier, with the bounty doubled for Iranian women who carry out such an action. The announcement was made in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran's official news agency, IRNA, and reported by the New York Post.
Bounty Details and Motivation
Hatami stated that there were a "large number of requests" for bounties to be placed on American soldiers, despite the absence of US ground forces in Iran. The reward, equivalent to $30,000 or 5 billion tomans, would be paid by the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army to anyone who kills or captures an invading American military personnel.
"Courageous Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward," Hatami added, according to IRNA. The army chief also claimed that the weapon used to kill an American would be kept in a museum currently under planning.
US Casualties and Context
Since the war with Iran began on February 28, 18 US troops have died, all outside the country in airstrikes and munition incidents. The last time a US soldier was on Iranian soil was in April, when an F-15E fighter jet went down, leading to a quick rescue mission for its pilot and weapons specialist.
Political and Economic Pressures
The bounty announcement comes amid President Trump's repeated accusations that Iran is struggling to pay its troops, as the renewed US naval blockade continues to strain the Islamic Republic's finances. The offer highlights the ongoing tensions between the two nations and the unconventional measures Iran is taking in response to military pressures.
